HOUSTON – A foundation lawsuit brought against State Farm Lloyds has been continued once again, primarily because the attorneys who were handling case for Mostyn Law left the firm last month.
Seeking up to $1 million in damages, Paul and Ann Cecil filed suit against State Farm and Angela Wilson, an adjuster, on Oct. 7, 2015, in Harris County District Court.
The Cecils allege that on Aug. 6, 2014, a plumbing pipe developed a leak below their home, resulting in a significant foundation shift. Wilson was assigned to adjust the claim.
Following an “inadequate outcome orientated” investigation, the couple’s claim was denied, according to the lawsuit.
At the time the litigation was filed, the Cecils were represented by Mostyn Law’s former head of litigation, Rene Sigman, who left the firm in July.
And with a trial set for Sept. 25, the firm was evidently compelled to file a motion for continuance on Aug. 7, court records show.
“Until recently, Rene Sigman and Ryan Fowler were lead counsel for plaintiffs,” the motion states. “However, both Sigman and Fowler are now no longer associated with Mostyn Law and are no longer counsel for plaintiffs.”
Fowler also left Mostyn Law for the Merlin Law Group.
Mostyn Law attorney Gregory Cox was substituted for Sigman and Fowler on Aug. 11, court records show.
Court records further show State Farm opposed the motion for continuance, arguing that there have already been multiple trial settings in the case.
“There is no legitimate basis for an additional continuance in this matter,” the document states. “This case has been on file for a significant period of time and a continuance is simply not warranted.”
Nonetheless, a district judge continued the case for 60 days on Aug. 11, the day after State Farm filed its formal notice opposing Mostyn Law’s motion.
State Farm is represented by Brian Chandler, attorney for the Houston law firm Ramey, Chandler, Quinn & Zitto.
Cause No. 2015-59470